Toilet paper

Modern bamboo toilet paper is soft and strong, comparable to mid-range conventional toilet paper. It is septic-safe, breaks down readily, and is free from bleaching agents. Quality varies by brand — check reviews before purchasing in quantity.

Yes. Bamboo toilet paper breaks down readily and is safe for septic systems. It is typically more biodegradable than conventional wood pulp toilet paper and does not cause blockages in properly maintained septic systems.

Bamboo toilet paper is made from virgin bamboo fibre — a fast-growing, sustainable crop that requires no replanting and no pesticides. Recycled toilet paper is made from post-consumer waste paper, avoiding virgin tree felling. Both are more sustainable than conventional virgin wood pulp toilet paper. Bamboo tends to be softer; recycled tends to be less expensive.

Conventional white toilet paper is typically bleached with chlorine or chlorine-based compounds to achieve its white colour, which can produce dioxin residues. Many brands also contain fragrances, lotions, and optical brighteners. Unbleached or oxygen-bleached alternatives, and bamboo toilet paper (which is naturally light in colour), avoid these additives.

Globally, toilet paper production uses approximately 27,000 trees per day. Each conventional toilet roll requires approximately 140 litres of water and 0.02 square metres of forest. Switching to bamboo or recycled toilet paper eliminates the virgin tree felling component. Bamboo regenerates from its existing root system after harvest, requiring no replanting.

Yes. EcoWarehouse stocks bamboo toilet paper available online at ecowarehouse.nz with NZ-wide shipping. Bamboo toilet paper is also increasingly available in NZ supermarkets and health food stores.